Posts Tagged ‘self taught artist’

Hi Everyone!It’s been awhile since I have last blogged. I’m always immersed in seeing plays, art exhibits, cooking, making art, reading, watching films and studying astrology. I have had to decide what would go into this particular blog. Although I titled this blog Play, romp and be happy, I think a better title would be ” WAKE UP CALL!”. Several months ago, I had a serious personal wake up call. Don’t you just love those? First you get hit with a tiny pebble and the it becomes a rock , then a brick and finally a boulder.

I decided one morning it was time for a major life style change. I have made extreme changes to my diet. Although I buy most of my food from the Farmer’s markets ( go local!) and walk almost every day, I knew deep in my heart, I needed to make changes. I have given up meat, coffee, refined sugar and most dairy. I also am working out on a daily basis in addition to walking and biking.

I have been immersed in learning to cook vegetarian gourmet and find food substitutes. Some things food switches have been relatively easy; which brings me to Turtle Mountain.

If I were investing in a food company, it would be Turtle Mountain. Based in Eugene, Oregon ( I used to live there), this company makes the most delicious line of coconut milk based ice cream, ice cream sandwiches and yogurt.

I just bought their coconut drinking milk today and coconut creamer. Their Mocha Almond Fudge ice cream with big chunks of walnuts and ribbons of fudge is as good in my opinion as my former lover, Haagen Daz. Their products are sweetened with agave . They have another line of ice cream which is soy based and many people already know this but their Peanut Butter Zig Zag is like crack and I don’t even like chocolate and peanut butter ice cream.Several weeks ago I saw a documentary film of Outsider artist Purvis Young ( who sadly died at the end of April). The documentary, PURVIS OF OVERTOWN.

Purvis was a self taught artist who lived life his way and did not cater to the art world. His focus was making paintings and helping out his friends and neighbors in the impoverished area of Miami called Overtown. I feel it take courage to follow one’s own heart and path. Mr. Young’s work is amazing. Raw and full of soul and color.

While at the film’s screening, I heard about an art exhibit that was happening at the Russell Byer’s Charter School in Center City.

I went the next day to find an incredible display of artwork by the children at the school. The exhibit was inspired by the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s retrospective of self taught outsider artist James Castle (whom I wrote about in an earlier blog). Led by art teacher Amy Jerrod, the children made their own version of specific works by Mr. Castle- watercolor paintings based on a little girl, cardboard birds and animals, chest of drawers and furniture ( also constructed from cardboard & string as well as handmade books from ephemera and houses from cereal boxes. I consider the exhibit of the children’s art exhibit to be the considered the next step beyond James Castle.

I have included a few photographs I took of the show.Last week I saw the Otto Dix Show at the Neue Galerie( museum) in NYC. I love German expressionism. Especially from the 1920s and 30s.

Dix’s watercolor paintings of prostitutes, sailors and widows are incredible. I liked his watercolors better than his oil paintings.

Also last week I got to see the documentary film EXIT THRU THE GIFT SHOP directed by controversial UK street artist Banksy ( I love his sense of humor). Although this film has a great title, it is misleading as to the nature of the documentary. The documentary chronicles the rise of a French man ( Thierry Guetta) living in L.A. and his rise to fame and fortune in the art world. In many ways EXIT THRU THE GIFT SHOP is in direct opposition to the Purvis Young documentary. Purvis did not care about money or fame. Mr. Guetta’s focus is solely for publicity and money. Because Thierry suffers from what I would consider clinical obsession, I found EXIT THRU THE GIFT SHOP fascinating and hilarious. I was laughing so much I was crying and sweating. There was an older couple sitting in front of me. Every so often the man would turn around and look at me. I was worried he was going to tell me to shut up. At the end of the screening, he turned around and thanked me for laughing. His wife nodded as he explained it made the film even better. I couldn’t believe it. An atypical response from someone on the Mainline! All the laughing, crying and sweating felt cathartic.

Speaking of obsessions, I’m currently obsessed with a few things. I missed the Iris Apfel fashion show at the Met in New York. I love Iris Apfel. She is a style maven. I have a pair of giant round ( prescription) glasses similar to hers which I have only worn out in public a few times. I got snickers and sneers from the young Amish women working behind the bakery counter when I wore them once to the Farmer’s market. I bought them as dead stock vintage on eBAY but lately I have noticed they have developed this weird white ectoplasm which I have tried to remove which various solvents but it keeps reappearing.

Several months ago, I finally finally bought a pair of incredible red, blue, tan and white wide striped vintage 70s Big Smith overalls. The fabric is a very soft cotton and they are very big on me. My friend’s have commented that they look like clown circus overalls. I doubt Mrs. Apfel would think so. She would love them.

I’m patiently waiting for the fashion industry to bring back my favorite piece of clothing- the cotton one piece romper ( or playsuit). I bought one many years ago from a thrift store in Philly that was fuchsia bold white flowers on it, big pockets a big zipper in the front. Total 60s Miami Beach kitsch, I wore it on a trip I won to Hawaii. The romper costs me five dollars and brought me much joy.

Short sleeved and sleeveless cotton rompers ( short length) ( some inspired by auto mechanic jumpsuits) with a front zip and big front and/or side zip pockets will be everywhere in the next year or so. Add to that graphic designs on these rompers inspired by eighties imagery and pop art as well as neon /glow in the dark strips. Jumpsuits- redux will be big also. No I don’t work in the fashion industry. I own a sewing machine that continues to gather dust.

I used to have a copy of a fabulous book CHEAP CHIC by Catherine Milinaire and Carol Troy. It was my fashion bible in the late 70s /early 80s. The soft cover book is sadly OOP and a used copy on Amazon now is around $137.

My major lifestyle change is in full swing ( It has been almost two and a half months now), I’m experimenting with cooking Vegetarian gourmet meals now. I finally tried Quinoa ( pronounced Keen- wah) and liked it. It is the only grain which is also a complete protein, and have dived deep end into eating tofu. I have to be honest and tell you all that previously I was NOT a fan of tofu. In fact I have a magnet on my fridge depicting a 50s style house wife in an apron with the phrase ” TOFU! Looks like wallpaper paste, but tastes much worse! I bought that magnet at Whole Foods and now I’m eating tofu or tofu based products at least four or five times a week for dinner. I still don’t love it, but I’m trying to make peace with it.

I had a Vietnamese tofu hoagie from Fu Wah Market ( in West Philly). The classic Vietnamese hoagie sandwich is called a Banh Mi and many recipes exist on the internet. My version is made with tofu ( not meat and pates) and I start off with a really good french baguette ( from Metropolitan Bakery). I make my own teriyaki sauce and I soak the extra firm tofu for many hours in the teriyaki before dipping it in an egg wash and coating it with seasoned bread crumbs. I then lightly fry the tofu . I also marinate thin strips of carrots and cucumbers in a sweet vinagrette and add tomatoes, jalapeno peppers and baby romaine salad mix ( which has my own special house dressing on it) to the hoagie. The secret to a great sandwich is the bread ( of course) and the fact that every component is well seasoned. Each item in this sandwich is seasoned in a different way so that when you bite into the sandwich, the marriage of flavors comes together.

I’m also loving and I mean loving the tea blend by Divintea called PEACE ON EARTH. As I mentioned in a previous blog that the Good Earth Cinnamon tea was magical, so too is this tea blend. After drinking this tea, I have had some lucky things happen.

Anyway play, romp and be happy! And again I apologize for putting up three of the same photo image and the fact that the paragraphs aren’t showing up in this blog despite putting in the manual html code.

P.S. TAKASHIMAYA- R.I. P. Update- I was in NYC again last week to see THE ADDAMS FAMILY and I thought I would stop by Takashimaya briefly before the show. It has gone out of business ( at least the NYC location). I was sad. Takashimaya to me is like Tiffanys to Holly Golightly. It was one of my many ( thankfully!) happy places in NYC. It was a five floor department store unlike any other. To me, an artist with so many planets in Taurus, it was the ultimate merger of art, culture, luxury and style in one place. I bought this cool umbrella from the store a few years ago with Asian people head drawings. I never use the umbrella for fear it will break. I recently broke my I LOVE YOU Lulu Guiness umbrella. By the way, they were selling a very cool umbrella at the ADDAMS FAMILY show with the characters drawn underneath the umbrella instead of on top. But it was $45. Because I’m always busting up my umbrellas, I bought several recently at IKEA for $2 each.

Well it has been a few months since I have blogged. It is difficult to narrow in and talk about all the cool things I have seen in the last few months. But I will try my best to give recommendations of interesting things to watch and eat.

Back in September, I went to the last Flea Market of the year at a nearby High School. During the weekends in the summer, their huge parking lot is filled with vendors selling anything and everything. A friend came to visit me and I had long talked about the bountiful treasure hunting of Philly. A week before, I had been thinking of beefing up my money corner of the dining room with a fake plant or a small tree ( Sadly although I have 5 planets in Taurus, my green thumb is only a fantasy at this point) . At the same time, I had been also drooling over the book on artist Tony Duquette which I asked my local library to buy. They did and I have been checking it out & renewing. As I looked at all the incredible sets, furniture , jewelry etc that Mr. Duquette designed, I closed my eyes for a moment and wished I could have something that would resemble one of his creations in my house- in my money corner ( Feng Shui). Around the same time I had the thought I would like something made out of copper since the metal for my sign Taurus is Copper. I let both thoughts go. Well getting back to the Flea Market ( which was 2 weeks after my wish thought), I was walking around looking when I spotted an enormous, vintage ( I dated it from the mid to late 60s), almost 7 foot tall copper tree with the copper leaves. In addition to that, the leaves looked like eyes ( too cool!). A few years back, I had bought some items from the same seller. She remembered me. I knew as soon as I saw " The Tree", I knew I had to have it. But Mercury, the planet of communication and money was retrograde on this day. I pondered the purchase. The price of $40 was ridiculously LOW. It wasn't about the money. It was the idea of being more stuff into my house. I have this ongoing battle with clutter & stuff. My friend who was with me, knows this. We have had previous discussions on "stuff" and getting rid of it- for spiritual reasons. Stuff clogs up your living space but it definitely can clog up your life. I want to have a flowing life. Since my friend and I both study Buddhism, I realized at that moment, I need to actually let go of my fixation. Within 5 minutes of spotting this tree, a random material object, I realized I had become obsessed. Obsessed with having it- wanting to possess it. When I find things- especially one of a kind things, I want it.

Well to make a long story short, the tree has become mine. The tree has become an evolving art project. I keep adding items to it's branches and leaves. To me the tree symbolizes the manifestation of a wish. I have dubbed this my Wish Tree.

A few days ago ( Valentine's Day), I was driving Philly. My goal was to find cool Valentine's day windows. I knew just where to go- South Philly. I have uploaded a few of my favorite windows. The last two windows are actually from a stationary store in Bala Cynwyd.

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Now on to films: I have seen several of the Oscar nominated films and the theme for most of them is about INTENSITY. I highly recommend THE WRESTLER with Mickey Rourke & Marisa Tomei. If Mr. Rourke doesn't win for BEST ACTOR, I will be very upset. Ms. Tomei was very good too. I feel Kate Winslet must win this year for THE READER . I saw REVOLUTIONARY ROAD and she was good in that film but THE READER is in a catagory all by itself.

My DVD film recommendations are as follows:

A must see documentary A MAN CALLED PEARL ( available on DVD) about self taught outsider artist/ topiary sculptor landscape architect genius Pearl Fryar. Even if you aren't into plants, this documentary will open your eyes to the power of LOVE and the ripple effect of obsession and devotion. An ordinary man who turn some dead and discarded plants from his local nursery into a three and half acre wonderland will leave you filled with a restored faith in man kind and miracles. I give this documentary my highest rating!

Two more documentaries about obsession on DVD worth watching CRAZY LOVE( 2007) about the real life relationship between Linda & Burt Pugach. I actually remember finding the book in our home growing up ( my mother obsessively collected books) that Berry Stainbeck wrote about their relationship called " A VERY DIFFERENT LOVE STORY" ( 1976) when I was 13 or 14. I read the dust jacket and quickly dropped the book; recoiling in horror. If you are looking for a feel-good romantic documentary- this isn't it. But I am fascinated with male-female relationships ( blame it on all my planets in Taurus being in the 7th house of relationships) so this documentary & story is so fascinating to me. Sick but fascinating. This documentary should be seen with some friends or a group as it will promote a heavy group discussion. This is definitely a DVD that will make you think.
If CRAZY LOVE is not what looking for in a love obsession documentary than you might like MY DATE WITH DREW ( 2004). This is Brian Herzlinger's hilarious documentary about trying to get a date with Actress Drew Barrymore in 30 days. This documentary is really about a unconscious spiritual journey and is great for anyone who has been pushing or pulling for a goal. The documentary for me, personally is a gentle reminder that after taking action, it important to LET GO. I think Mr. Herzlinger is really cute and now that Ms. Barrymore is single again, she just might want to watch this documentary ( again)- just kidding! This documentary will leave you feeling good- happy.

Before I end this blog which has taken months to write, I will talk a wee bit about food.

I have been watching many episodes of Anthony Bourdain's NO RESERVATIONS and Andrew Zimmern's BIZARRE FOODS on the travel channel. Both are very entertaining and informative shows. I can come out now with one of my secret food (dare I say obsessions?)- I love marrow bones and have since I was a kid. Anthony Bourdain proclaiming Veal marrow bones would be included in his last meal request has given me the courage to second that desire. Having discovered I had a severe B12 vitamin deficiency a few months ago, I have happily increased my meat consumption ( sorry Peta) along with B12 shots from my doctor, I have regained my energy ( about 60% as I write this blog).

*Update: March 1, 2009- Well I'm sad Mickey didn't win the Oscar for THE WRESTLER ( I haven't seen MILK so I can't comment on Sean Penn's performance) as I knew his acceptance speech would be off the wall. A few nights ago, I caught most of the Independent Spirit Awards on IFC ( repeat) and saw Mickey's hilarious acceptance 6 minute speech for winning BEST ACTOR ( for the WRESTLER). I was laughing so hard I was crying and peeing in my pants. Right before that, was the side splitting performance by Rainn Wilson as Mickey's character in the Wrestler singing a parody of the film to the tune of James Brown's I FEEL GOOD. Both these film clips are on www.youtube.com If you are needing to laugh, go to YOUTUBE now and type in "Song Wrestler Spirit Awards". I recommend watching the clip of Rainn Wilson first as Mickey refers to him in his speech. I'd like to thank Rainn and Mickey for making have to do extra laundry. I'm still laughing about both performances. To appreciate how funny it is you should see THE WRESTLER first before seeing the clips. I don't know who was responsible for the parody song & dance numbers at the Independent Spirit Awards but the person or people are GENIUS- pure GENIUS! By the way I feel an extra kinship with Mickey as we both have chihuahuas. I was sad to hear his Chihuahua Loki passed away a week before the Oscars. Everytime there has been a nominee whose relative passes right before the Oscars, they always seem to win. Wish Loki had that kind of influence.

I keep adding to this blog. Forgot to mention a film recommendation currently playing in Independent move theaters now which I saw ON DEMAND on cable. TWO LOVERS with Joaquin Phoenix is a must see film. Loved it. I'm definitely not a big Gwenyth Paltrow fan but she is good in this film. Vinessa Shaw is good too.

A few weeks ago I saw the most riveting documentary ” MAN ON WIRE” about the French tightrope walker/ acrobat Phillipe Petit who constructed a wire between the Twin Towers ( World Trade Center) in the mid 70s right after they were completed . He had an overwhelming urge to walk between the two tower. The urge became an obsession. An obsession that even he thought was “impossible”. In my opinion, ” Man on Wire” is one of the most intense documentaries I have ever seen. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. To quote a friend ,” Definitely not boring!”. The documentary, sadly is no longer playing at my local theatre. I’m sure it will be available on DVD shortly.

While on the subject of men and wires, this past weekend I journeyed to the Perelman building- which opened last year across from the Philadelphia Art Museum . It was my first trip since it opened. Yes I am a slow mover. My main reason for going was to see Alexander ” Sandy” Calder’s jewelry exhibit. I keep using the word “stunning” but the collection of rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, tiaras etc. was so incredible, I wanted to run home and make jewelry ( I don’t make jewelry). His materials were simple- wire, brass, silver, stones, glass. Most of the collection was made for his wife, mother & friends. The way he could bend wire. I read at parties he would show up with wire and pliers and make sculptures for his friends.

Another ” MUST SEE” exhibit is the James Castle Retrospective which just opened up across the street at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. James Castle ( 1899- 1977) was a deaf mute self trained outsider artist who lived in Idaho. He made incredible black and white drawings primarily with soot and spit as well as constructed tiny books from found ephemera. His work is on the genius level. The exhibit is a ” MUST SEE” for EVERYONE ( whether you consider yourself an artist or not). After missing two different screenings of a documentary made about James Castle, his life and art, I was overjoyed to discover they are showing the film every hour inside the exhibit. The exhibit runs through January 4, 2009 and information about the James Castle Retrospective can be found on the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s website.

To digress now to some more of my favorite things about fall; specially fall on the East Coast. The leaves changing colors, the way the air smells- crisp with a smoky tinge, Caramel Apples- the really good kind that you make at home or buy at a high end candy shop. I love apples and fresh apple cider. Anything pumpkin; especially good pumpkin bread and pumpkin pancakes, hearty homemade soups. My favorite apple is Honey Crisp, handknit scarves and shawls. Fall colors in clothing. Sad to say on a recent trip to MACYS, every piece of clothing I looked at from inexpensive to expensive was Made in China. I looked at a sweater dress that was priced at $198- it had threads hanging off it; very poorly made. What happened to quality? This is yet another argument for me continuing to shop at Thrift stores and seek out D.I.Y. artist/designers/seamstresses. Thank God for eBAY. This is a great place to find handmade items. I have found wonderful people on eBAY who have made me wool winter hats, scarves, hand loomed sweaters, wool socks etc. I choose handmade any day.

And before I close this blog let me talk about films. I just HAPPY GO LUCKY ( in movie theatres now). A definite ” must see” film with Buddhist themes. I think Mike Leigh is a wonderful film director ( in a future blog I will write more about favorite films and film directors etc. ) THE VISITOR – which is out on DVD- another “must see” film. Buddhist ideals show up in this film too.

Since Halloween is approaching, I must confess I do have a weakness for horror films. I recently re-watched Nicolas Roeg’s 1973 film DON’T LOOK NOW with Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie. Using the city of Venice ( Italy) as the backdrop, I really enjoyed the “psychic” aspect of this film. It is a terrific film that really holds up well 35 years later. I recommend it as ” must see” film.

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Augusten Burroughs
Augusten is one, if the funniest writers I have ever read. I have read one of his books ( POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS), and I can’t wait to read everything else he has written. As I am in a time of grieving and mourning, Augusten has arrived to bring me happi

Edward Gorey House and Museum
The best reason for visiting Cape Cod. This Museum has the BEST gift shop I have ever laid my eyes on. This is a must-see for any artist or person who loves unusual places. This was the best part of my recent trip to Cape Cod